Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus disposed on an object including a first surface having a first shape and a second surface having a second shape different from the first shape, the display apparatus includes a display panel arranged on the object, including a first display area extending along the first surface, a second display area extending along the second surface, a plurality of first pixels arranged with a preset interval in the first display area and a plurality of second pixels arranged with the preset interval in the second display area, where when tensile force is applied, a first elongation rate of the display panel in the first display area is different from a second elongation rate of the display panel in the second display area.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.10-2021-0002585, filed on Jan. 8, 2021, and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content of which in its entirety isherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments relate to a display apparatus that displays an image and amethod of manufacturing the display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

As display apparatuses that visually express an electric signal develop,various display apparatuses are being introduced with excellentcharacteristics, such as being thinner and more lightweight, and lowpower consumption. Flexible display apparatuses that are foldable orrollable in a roll shape have been introduced, for example.

Recently, research is being actively carried out on a stretchabledisplay apparatus that may be changed in various shapes.

SUMMARY

Since a stretchable display apparatus is changeable in various shapes,the stretchable display apparatus may be arranged on a locally irregularsurface shape of an object. A display apparatus may include a pluralityof pixels that display an image. When the display apparatus is arrangedalong a locally irregular surface shape of an object, intervals betweenthe plurality of pixels may be different from each other.

Embodiments include a display apparatus and a method of manufacturingthe same, which may entirely or substantially prevent a plurality ofpixels from being viewed to users as being non-uniformly arranged in thedisplay apparatus arranged along a locally irregular surface shape of anobject.

Additional features will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, a display apparatus disposed on anobject including a first surface having a first shape and a secondsurface having a second shape different from the first shape, includes adisplay panel arranged on the object and including a first display areaextending along the first surface, a second display area extending alongthe second surface, a plurality of first pixels arranged with a presetinterval in the first display area and a plurality of second pixelsarranged with the preset interval in the second display area, where whentensile force is applied, a first elongation rate of the display panelin the first display area is different from a second elongation rate ofthe display panel in the second display area.

In an embodiment, the first display area may include a plurality offirst pixel areas and a plurality of first through areas, the pluralityof first pixels may be respectively arranged in the plurality of firstpixel areas, and the plurality of first through areas in whichrespective openings are defined through the display panel may bearranged outside the plurality of first pixel areas and passing throughthe display panel, and the second display area may include a pluralityof second pixel areas and a plurality of second through areas, theplurality of second pixels may be respectively arranged in the pluralityof second pixel areas, and the plurality of second through areas inwhich respective openings are defined through the display panel may bearranged outside the plurality of second pixel areas and passing throughthe display panel.

In an embodiment, a first region of one of the plurality of first pixelareas may be different from a second region of one of the plurality ofsecond pixel area.

In an embodiment, the first display area may further include a pluralityof first connection areas extending between the plurality of first pixelareas adjacent to each other, the second display area may furtherinclude a plurality of second connection areas extending between theplurality of second pixel areas adjacent to each other, and a shape ofone of the plurality of first connection areas may be different from ashape of one of the plurality of second connection areas.

In an embodiment, a first width of one of the plurality of firstconnection areas may be different from a second width of one of theplurality of second connection areas.

In an embodiment, a first length of one of the plurality of firstconnection areas may be different from a second length of one of theplurality of second connection areas.

In an embodiment, one of the plurality of first connection areas mayextend in a linear shape, and one of the plurality of second connectionareas may extend in a curved shape.

In an embodiment, the display panel may further include an inorganiclayer arranged in the first display area and the second display area,and a ratio of the inorganic layer to the display panel in the firstdisplay area may be different from a ratio of the inorganic layer to thedisplay panel in the second display area.

In an embodiment, the display apparatus may further include a film layerarranged on at least one of a first surface of the display panel and asecond surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface of thedisplay panel in a thickness direction, where, when the tensile force isapplied, an elongation rate of the film layer in the first display areamay be different from an elongation rate of the film layer in the seconddisplay area.

In an embodiment, the display panel in the first display area may be inone of a relatively high elongation state and a relatively lowelongation state, and the display panel in the second display area maybe in a remaining one of the relatively high elongation state and therelatively low elongation state.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a displayapparatus includes elongating a display substrate including a firstregion and a second region such that the display substrate extends alonga surface shape of an object, determining a first elongation state ofthe display substrate in the first region and a second elongation stateof the display substrate in the second region, and forming a displaypanel including a first display area and a second display area andextending in one direction, a plurality of first pixels being arrangedwith a first interval set from the first elongation state in the firstdisplay area, and a plurality of second pixels being arranged with asecond interval set from the second elongation state in the seconddisplay area.

In an embodiment, the method may further include transforming thedisplay panel to extend along a surface shape of the object, andchanging the first interval and the second interval to be identical toeach other.

In an embodiment, the first elongation state may be one of a relativelyhigh elongation state and a relatively low elongation state, and thesecond elongation state may be a remaining one of the relatively highelongation state and the relatively low elongation state.

In an embodiment, the display panel may include a first surface of thedisplay panel and a second surface of the display panel opposite to thefirst surface of the display panel in a thickness direction, and thetransforming of the display panel may include allowing a mold to faceone of the first surface of the display panel and the second surface ofthe display panel.

In an embodiment, when tensile force is applied, the display panel mayhave a first elongation rate in the first display area and have a secondelongation rate in the second display area.

In an embodiment, the method may further include attaching a film layerto at least one of a first surface of the display panel and a secondsurface of the display panel opposite to the first surface of thedisplay panel in a thickness direction, where, when tensile force isapplied, an elongation rate of the film layer in the first display areamay be different from an elongation rate of the film layer in the seconddisplay area.

In an embodiment, the method may further include after the attaching ofthe film layer to the display panel, processing the film layer arrangedon at least one of the first display area and the second display area.

In an embodiment, the elongating of the display substrate along thesurface shape of the object may include transforming the displaysubstrate extending in one direction to extend along a surface shape ofa mold.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a displayapparatus includes preparing a substrate including a first region and asecond region each extending along a surface shape of an object,applying tensile force to extend the first region and the second regionin one direction, determining a first elongation state of the substratein the first region and a second elongation state of the substrate inthe second region, and forming a plurality of first pixels with a firstinterval set from the first elongation state in the first region andforming a plurality of second pixels with a second interval set from thesecond elongation state in the second region.

The method may further include after the forming of the plurality offirst pixels and the plurality of second pixels, removing the tensileforce.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, and advantages of predeterminedembodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a displayapparatus;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a display apparatus;

FIGS. 3A to 3C are plan views of a first display area and a seconddisplay area according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus taken alonglines C-C′ and D-D′ of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus taken alonglines C-C′ and D-D′ of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a first display area and asecond display area;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a display apparatus takenalong lines E-E′ and F-F′ of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method of manufacturinga display apparatus;

FIGS. 9A to 9E are cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of amethod of manufacturing a display apparatus;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing another embodimentof a method of manufacturing a display apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus; and

FIGS. 14A to 14D are cross-sectional views showing another embodiment ofa method of manufacturing a display apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, theembodiments may have different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, theembodiments are merely described below, by referring to the drawingfigures, to explain features of the description. As used herein, theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “atleast one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b,both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

As the disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments,certain embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described inthe written description. Effects and features of the disclosure, andmethods for achieving them will be clarified with reference toembodiments described below in detail with reference to the drawings.However, the disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments andmay be embodied in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout and a repeated description thereof is omitted.

While such terms as “first” and “second” may be used to describe variouscomponents, such components must not be limited to the above terms. Theabove terms are used to distinguish one component from another.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein are intended toinclude the plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

It will be understood that the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include”and/or “including” as used herein specify the presence of statedfeatures or components but do not preclude the addition of one or moreother features or components.

It will be further understood that, when a layer, region, or componentis referred to as being “on” another layer, region, or component, it canbe directly or indirectly on the other layer, region, or component. Thatis, for example, intervening layers, regions, or components may bepresent.

Sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced forconvenience of explanation. For example, since sizes and thicknesses ofelements in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience ofexplanation, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

When an embodiment may be implemented differently, a certain processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component isreferred to as being “connected” to another layer, region, or component,it may be “directly connected” to the other layer, region, or componentor may be “indirectly connected” to the other layer, region, orcomponent with other layer, region, or component interposedtherebetween. For example, it will be understood that when a layer,region, or component is referred to as being “electrically connected” toanother layer, region, or component, it may be “directly electricallyconnected” to the other layer, region, or component or may be“indirectly electrically connected” to other layer, region, or componentwith other layer, region, or component interposed therebetween.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display apparatus1.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the display apparatus 1 may include an apparatusfor displaying moving images or still images and may be used as adisplay screen of various products including televisions, notebookcomputers, monitors, advertisement boards, Internet of things (“IOT”)apparatus as well as portable electronic apparatuses including mobilephones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (“PC”), mobilecommunication terminals, electronic organizers, electronic books,portable multimedia players (“PMP”), navigations, and ultra mobilepersonal computers (“UMPC”). In addition, the display apparatus 1 may beused in wearable devices including smartwatches, watchphones,glasses-type displays, and head-mounted displays (“HMD”). In addition,the display apparatus 1 may be used as instrument panels forautomobiles, center fascias for automobiles, or center informationdisplays (“CID”) arranged on a dashboard, room mirror displays thatreplace side mirrors of automobiles, and displays arranged on thebackside of front seats as an entertainment for back seats ofautomobiles.

The display apparatus 1 may be arranged on an object OB. The object OBmay include various objects to which the display apparatus 1 isattached. In an embodiment, the object OB may include a structuresupporting the display apparatus 1.

The object OB may include a surface SS having a predetermined shape. Inother words, the surface SS of the object OB may have a shape set inadvance. In an embodiment, the surface SS of the object OB may have aplurality of curvatures. In another embodiment, the surface SS of theobject OB may be bent. In another embodiment, the surface SS of theobject OB may not be entirely flat. The surface SS of the object OB maybe irregular.

The surface SS of the object OB may include a plurality of surfaces. Theplurality of surfaces may each be partial surfaces defining a portion ofthe surface SS of the object OB. In an embodiment, the surface SS of theobject OB may include a first surface SS1, a second surface SS2, and athird surface SS3. The first surface SS1 may have a first shape. Thesecond surface SS2 may have a second shape. The third surface SS3 mayhave a third shape. In an embodiment, one of the first shape, the secondshape, and the third shape may be different from another of the firstshape, the second shape, and the third shape. In the specification, whenthe first shape is different from the second shape, it means that thefirst shape does not coincide with the second shape. In an embodiment,the first surface SS1 may have a first curvature. The second surface SS2may have a second curvature. The first curvature of the first surfaceSS1 may be less or greater than the second curvature of the secondsurface SS2. The third surface SS3 may be flat. Hereinafter, the casewhere the surface SS of the object OB includes the first surface SS1,the second surface SS2, and the third surface SS3 is mainly described indetail. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The embodiment isapplicable to the surface SS of the object OB having various shapes.

The display apparatus 1 may include a display panel 10. The displaypanel 10 may display an image. The display panel 10 may be an organiclight-emitting display panel that uses an organic light-emitting diodeincluding an organic emission layer. In an alternative embodiment, thedisplay panel 10 may be a light-emitting diode display panel that uses alight-emitting diode. The size of the light-emitting diode may be amicro scale or a nano scale. In an embodiment, a light-emitting diodemay be a micro light-emitting diode. In an alternative embodiment, alight-emitting diode may be a nanorod light-emitting diode. A nanorodlight-emitting diode may include gallium nitride (GaN). In anembodiment, a color-conversion layer may be arranged on a nanorodlight-emitting diode. The color-conversion layer may include quantumdots. In an alternative embodiment, the display panel 10 may be aquantum-dot light-emitting display panel that uses a quantum-dotlight-emitting diode including a quantum-dot emission layer. In analternative embodiment, the display panel 10 may be an inorganiclight-emitting display panel that uses an inorganic light-emittingelement including an inorganic semiconductor. Hereinafter, the casewhere the display panel 10 is an organic light-emitting display panelthat uses an organic light-emitting diode as a display element is mainlydescribed in detail.

In an embodiment, the display panel 10 may include a display area DA.The display area DA may be an area which displays an image. The displayarea DA may extend along the surface SS of the object OB. In anembodiment, the display area DA may extend along the first surface SS1,the second surface SS2, and the third surface SS3. In an embodiment, thedisplay area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second displayarea DA2, and a third display area DA3. The first display area DA1 mayextend along the first surface SS1. In this case, the first display areaDA1 may have a first curvature. The second display area DA2 may extendalong the second surface SS2. In this case, the second display area DA2may have a second curvature. The third display area DA3 may extend alongthe third surface SS3. In this case, the third display area DA3 may beflat. Accordingly, the display panel 10 may extend along a surface shapeof the object OB.

The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100 and a pixel layer 200.The substrate 100 may overlap the first display area DA1, the seconddisplay area DA2, and the third display area DA3. The substrate 100 mayextend along the surface SS of the object OB.

In an embodiment, the substrate 100 may include glass or a polymer resinsuch as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylenenaphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide,polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose tri acetate, or cellulose acetatepropionate. The substrate 100 including a polymer resin may be flexible,rollable, or bendable. The substrate 100 may have a multi-layeredstructure including a base layer and a barrier layer each including apolymer resin.

The pixel layer 200 may be arranged on the substrate 100. The pixellayer 200 may include a pixel PX. The pixel layer 200 may include aplurality of pixels PX. The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged inthe display area DA and may emit light. The plurality of pixels PX mayeach include sub-pixels. In an embodiment, a pixel PX may include a redsub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel. A pixel PX mayinclude a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and awhite sub-pixel.

The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged with a constant interval int.In an embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in thefirst display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the thirddisplay area DA3 with a constant interval int. The constant interval intmay be a distance between the plurality of pixels PX adjacent to eachother in an extension direction of the display panel 10. In anembodiment, a distance between first pixels PX1 adjacent to each otherin the first display area DA1, a distance between second pixels PX2adjacent to each other in the second display area DA2, and a distancebetween third pixels PX3 adjacent to each other in the third displayarea DA3 may be the same. Accordingly, in an embodiment, a plurality ofpixels PX arranged on the surface SS of the object OB may be entirely orsubstantially prevented from being viewed to a user as beingnon-uniformly arranged.

When viewed by a user, the plurality of pixels PX may be uniformlyarranged in the display area DA. In an embodiment, a user may view thedisplay apparatus 1 in a z-direction (also referred to as a thicknessdirection) of FIG. 1 . When viewed by a user, distances between aplurality of adjacent pixels PX may be substantially the same. In anembodiment, by a user, a distance between a plurality of adjacent firstpixels PX1 in the first display area DA1, a distance between a pluralityof adjacent second pixels PX2 in the second display area DA2, and adistance between a plurality of adjacent third pixels PX3 in the thirddisplay area DA3 may be substantially the same. Therefore, in anembodiment, the plurality of pixels PX arranged on the surface SS of theobject may be entirely or substantially prevented from being viewed to auser as being non-uniformly arranged.

The density of the plurality of pixels PX in the display area DA may besubstantially the same. Accordingly, the plurality of pixels PX may beuniformly arranged in the display area DA. In an embodiment, the densityof the first pixels PX1 in the first display area DA1, the density ofthe second pixels PX2 in the second display area DA2, and the density ofthe third pixels PX3 in the third display area DA3 may be substantiallythe same. The density of the first pixels PX1 in the first display areaDA1 may be defined by the number of first pixels PX1 per area of thefirst display area DA1. The density of the second pixels PX2 in thesecond display area DA2 may be defined by the number of second pixelsPX2 per area of the second display area DA2. The density of the thirdpixels PX3 in the third display area DA3 may be defined by the number ofthird pixels PX3 per area of the third display area DA3. Therefore, inan embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX arranged on the surface SS ofthe object may be entirely or substantially prevented from being viewedto a user as being non-uniformly arranged.

In an embodiment, the pixel layer 200 may include a pixel circuit and adisplay element. The pixel circuit may be electrically connected to thedisplay element. The pixel circuit may control light emission of thedisplay element. The display element may emit light. In an embodiment,the display element may be an organic light-emitting diode. In anembodiment, the pixel circuit and the display element may be a portionof a pixel PX.

In an embodiment, the pixel layer 200 may include an insulating layer.The insulating layer may include an inorganic material and/or an organicmaterial.

The display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be in one of arelatively high elongation state and a relatively low elongation state,and the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2 may be in theother of the relatively high elongation state and the relatively lowelongation state. The elongation state may be defined as a state inwhich the display panel 10 is stretched due to tensile force. Therelatively high elongation state may be a state further elongated thanthe relatively low elongation state. In an embodiment, when the tensileforce is removed, the display panel 10 may be transformed. In this case,transformation of the relatively high elongation state may be greaterthan that of relatively low elongation state.

In an embodiment, the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 isin the relatively high elongation state, the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2 is in the relatively low elongation state, andthe display panel 10 in the third display area DA3 is in a state that isnot elongated. In this case, the display panel 10 in the first displayarea DA1 may be further elongated than the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2. The display panel 10 in the second display areaDA2 may be further elongated than the display panel 10 in the thirddisplay area DA3.

In an embodiment, the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 isin the relatively low elongation state, the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2 is in the relatively high elongation state, andthe display panel 10 in the third display area DA3 is in a state that isnot elongated. In this case, the display panel 10 in the second displayarea DA2 may be further elongated than the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1. The display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 maybe further elongated than the display panel 10 in the third display areaDA3.

In the case where the display apparatus extending in one direction andincluding a plurality of adjacent pixels PX arranged with a uniforminterval is elongated and/or contracted, an interval between adjacentfirst pixels PX1, an interval between adjacent second pixels PX2, and aninterval between adjacent third pixels PX3 may be different from oneanother. Accordingly, the pixels PX may be arranged non-uniformly. Inthis case, when a user views the display apparatus 1 arranged on thesurface SS of the object OB, the user may sense a decrease in resolutionin a predetermined display area DA due to non-uniform interval betweenthe pixels PX.

In contrast, in an embodiment, even though the display panel 10 iselongated and/or contracted along the surface SS of the object OB, aninterval int between the pixels PX arranged in the display area DA maybe maintained constant. Accordingly, in an embodiment, a decrease inresolution in a predetermined display area DA may be prevented orreduced.

In another embodiment, the display panel 10 may not be in an elongationstate. In this case, the substrate 100 extends along the surface SS ofthe object OB, and then tensile force may be applied to the substrate100. When tensile force is applied to the substrate 100, the substrate100 may extend in one direction. Under this state, the pixel layer 200may be provided. Next, the display panel 10 may be contracted to extendalong the surface SS of the object OB by removing the tensile force.

When the tensile force is applied, a first elongation rate of thedisplay panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be different from asecond elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second displayarea DA2. In the specification, an elongation rate may be defined as adegree by which an element is stretched. That is, when constant tensileforce is applied, a degree by which the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 stretches may be different from a degree by which thedisplay panel 10 in the second display area DA2 stretches.

An elongation rate of the display panel 10 may be determined by thematerial of the display panel 10 and/or the structure of the displaypanel 10. In an embodiment, the structure of the display panel 10 in thefirst display area DA1 may be different from the structure of thedisplay panel 10 in the second display area DA2. In an alternativeembodiment, the material of the display panel 10 in the first displayarea DA1 may be different from the material of the display panel 10 inthe second display area DA2. In an alternative embodiment, the structureof the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be differentfrom the structure of the display panel 10 in the second display areaDA2, and the material of the display panel 10 in the first display areaDA1 may be different from the material of the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2.

In an embodiment, a first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in thefirst display area DA1 may be greater than a second elongation rate ofthe display panel 10 in the second display area DA2. In anotherembodiment, a first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be less than a second elongation rate of thedisplay panel 10 in the second display area DA2. Accordingly, in thecase where tensile force or compressing force is applied to extend orcontract the display panel 10 along the surface SS of the object OB,degrees by which the display panel 10 in the display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2 is elongated and/or contracted may be differentfrom each other.

In an embodiment, when tensile force is applied, an elongation rate ofthe display panel 10 may vary depending on the surface SS of the objectOB. Accordingly, even though the display panel 10 extends along thesurface SS of the object OB, an interval int between a plurality ofadjacent pixels PX may be maintained constant.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of the display apparatus 1. FIG.2 is a plan view of the first display area DA1 and the second displayarea DA2 before the first display area DA1 and the second display areaDA2 are transformed to extend along the surface of the object. In thiscase, the display apparatus 1 may be flat.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the display panel 10 may include the first displayarea DA1 and the second display area DA2. When tensile force is applied,the first elongation rate of the first display area DA1 may be differentfrom the second elongation rate of the second display area DA2.

The second display area DA2 may surround at least a portion of the firstdisplay area DA1, and the third display area DA3 may surround at least aportion of the second display area DA2. In another embodiment, the firstdisplay area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third displayarea DA3 may be adjacent to each other. In another embodiment, the firstdisplay area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third displayarea DA3 may be spaced apart from each other. As described above, thepositions of the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2,and the third display area DA3 may be various inside the display panel10.

Density of the plurality of pixels PX in the display area DA may bedifferent depending on a position thereof in the display area DA. In anembodiment, a density of the first pixels PX1 in the first display areaDA1, a density of the second pixels PX2 in the second display area DA2,and a density of the third pixels PX3 in the third display area DA3 maybe different from one another. The density of the first pixels PX1 inthe first display area DA1 may be defined as the number of first pixelsPX1 per area of the first display area DA1. The density of the secondpixels PX2 in the second display area DA2 may be defined as the numberof second pixels PX2 per area of the second display area DA2. Thedensity of the third pixels PX3 in the third display area DA3 may bedefined as the number of third pixels PX3 per area of the third displayarea DA3.

Accordingly, when the display apparatus 1 that is flat is transformedalong the surface shape of the object, the densities of the plurality ofpixels PX may be the same within the display area DA, and the pluralityof pixels PX may be entirely or substantially prevented from beingviewed as being non-uniformly arranged on the surface of the object.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are plan views of the first display area DA1 and thesecond display area DA2 according to various embodiments. FIGS. 3A to 3Care enlarged views of regions A and B of FIG. 2 . In FIGS. 3A to 3C,because the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 1 and 2 denote thesame elements, descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the display panel 10 may include the firstdisplay area DA1 and the second display area DA2. When tensile force isapplied, the first elongation rate of the first display area DA1 may bedifferent form the second elongation rate of the second display areaDA2. In an embodiment, a structure of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from a structure of the display panel10 in the second display area DA2.

The first display area DA1 may include a first pixel area PA1, a firstconnection area CA1, and a first through area PNA1. In an embodiment,the first pixel area PA1 may have a quadrangular shape. In anotherembodiment, the first pixel area PA1 may have various shapes such as apolygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape.

The first pixel area PA1 may be provided in plural. The plurality offirst pixel areas PA1 may be spaced apart from each other. In anembodiment, the plurality of first pixel areas PA1 may be spaced apartfrom each other in a first direction (e.g., an x-direction or a (−)x-direction) and/or a second direction (e.g., a y-direction or a (−)y-direction).

The first pixel PX1 may be arranged in the first pixel area PA1. In anembodiment, the plurality of first pixels PX1 may be respectivelyarranged in the plurality of first pixel areas PA1. In anotherembodiment, the plurality of first pixels PX1 may be arranged in onefirst pixel area PA1. Hereinafter, the case where the plurality of firstpixels PX1 is respectively arranged in the plurality of first pixelareas PA1 is mainly described in detail.

The first connection area CA1 may extend from the first pixel area PA1.In an embodiment, the first connection area CA1 may extend in the firstdirection (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction) and/or thesecond direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction) from thefirst pixel area PA1. In another embodiment, the first connection areaCA1 may extend in a direction crossing the first direction (e.g., thex-direction or the (−) x-direction) and the second direction (e.g., they-direction or the (−) y-direction) from the first pixel area PA1.

In an embodiment, an edge PAE1 of the first pixel area PA1 may beperpendicular to an edge CAE1 of the first connection area CA1. Inanother embodiment, the edge PAE1 of the first pixel area PA1 may extendto the edge CAE1 of the first connection area CA1 in a curved line.

In an embodiment, the first connection area CA1 may extend betweenadjacent first pixel areas PA1. In an embodiment, the first pixel areasPA1 may each extend to four first connection areas CA1. Four firstconnection areas CA1 extend from one first pixel area PA1 may extend indifferent directions, and each first connection area CA1 may extend toanother first pixel area PA1 adjacent to the one first pixel area PA1.In an embodiment, the first pixel area PA1 and the first connection areaCA1 may be provided as one body.

An opening may be defined through the display panel 10 in the firstthrough area PNA1. The first pixel PX1 may not be arranged in the firstthrough area PNA1. The first through area PNA1 may be an empty area ofthe display panel 10. Because the first display area DA1 includes aplurality of first through areas PNA1, which are empty areas, the firstdisplay area DA1 may be elongated and/or contracted.

In an embodiment, the first display area DA1 may include a plurality offirst through areas PNA1. The plurality of first through areas PNA1 maybe arranged outside the plurality of first pixel areas PA1. Theplurality of first through areas PNA1 may be spaced apart from eachother with the first pixel area PA1 and/or the first connection area CA1therebetween.

At least a portion of the shape of the first through area PNA1 may bedefined by edges PAE1 of the first pixel area PA1 and edges CAE1 of thefirst connection area CA1. In an embodiment, the shape of the firstthrough area PNA1 may be defined by the edges PAE1 of the first pixelarea PA1 and the edges CAE1 of the first connection area CA1. In thiscase, it is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C that the edges PAE1 of the firstpixel area PA1 and the edges CAE1 of the first connection area CA1constitute a closed curve. In another embodiment, one side of the firstthrough area PNA1 may be open.

The second display area DA2 may include a second pixel area PA2, asecond connection area CA2, and a second through area PNA2. In anembodiment, the second pixel area PA2 may have a quadrangular shape. Inanother embodiment, the second pixel area PA2 may have various shapessuch as a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape.

The second pixel area PA2 may be provided in plural. The plurality ofsecond pixel areas PA2 may be spaced apart from each other. In anembodiment, the plurality of second pixel areas PA2 may be spaced apartfrom each other in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (−)x-direction) and/or the second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the(−) y-direction).

The second pixel PX2 may be arranged in the second pixel area PA2. In anembodiment, the plurality of second pixels PX2 may be respectivelyarranged in the plurality of second pixel areas PA2. In anotherembodiment, the plurality of second pixels PX2 may be arranged in onesecond pixel area PA2. Hereinafter, the case where the plurality ofsecond pixels PX2 may be respectively arranged in the plurality ofsecond pixel areas PA2 is mainly described in detail.

The second connection area CA2 may extend from the second pixel areaPA2. In an embodiment, the second connection area CA2 may extend in thefirst direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction) and/orthe second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction) fromthe second pixel area PA2. In another embodiment, the second connectionarea CA2 may extend in a direction crossing the first direction (e.g.,the x-direction or the (−) x-direction) and the second direction (e.g.,the y-direction or the (−) y-direction) from the second pixel area PA2.

In an embodiment, an edge PAE2 of the second pixel area PA2 may beperpendicular to an edge CAE2 of the second connection area CA2. Inanother embodiment, the edge PAE2 of the second pixel area PA2 mayextend to the edge CAE2 of the second connection area CA2 in a curvedline.

In an embodiment, the second connection area CA2 may extend betweenadjacent second pixel areas PA2. In an embodiment, the second pixelareas PA2 may each be connected to four second connection areas CA2.Four second connection areas CA2 connected to one second pixel area PA2may extend in different directions, and each second connection area CA2may extend to another second pixel area PA2 adjacent to the one secondpixel area PA2. In an embodiment, the second pixel area PA2 and thesecond connection area CA2 may be provided as one body.

An opening may be defined through the display panel 10 in the secondthrough area PNA2. The second pixel PX2 may not be arranged in thesecond through area PNA2. The second through area PNA2 may be an emptyarea of the display panel 10. Because the second display area DA2includes a plurality of second through areas PNA2, which are emptyareas, the second display area DA2 may be elongated and/or contracted.

In an embodiment, the second display area DA2 may include a plurality ofsecond through areas PNA2. The plurality of second through areas PNA2may be arranged outside the plurality of second pixel areas PA2. Theplurality of second through areas PNA2 may be spaced apart from eachother with the second pixel area PA2 and/or the second connection areaCA2 therebetween.

At least a portion of the shape of the second through area PNA2 may bedefined by edges PAE2 of the second pixel area PA2 and edges CAE2 of thesecond connection area CA2. In an embodiment, the shape of the secondthrough area PNA2 may be defined by the edges PAE2 of the second pixelarea PA2 and the edges CAE2 of the second connection area CA2. In thiscase, it is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C that the edges PAE2 of the secondpixel area PA2 and the edges CAE2 of the second connection area CA2constitute a closed curve. In another embodiment, one side of the secondthrough area PNA2 may be open.

The shape of one of a plurality of first through areas PNA1 may bedifferent from that of one of a plurality of second through areas PNA2.In an embodiment, the width of the first through area PNA1 in the firstdirection (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction) may bedifferent from that of the second through area PNA2 in the firstdirection (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction). In anotherembodiment, the width of the first through area PNA1 in the seconddirection (e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction) may bedifferent from that of the second through area PNA2 in the seconddirection (e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction). In anotherembodiment, one of the first through area PNA1 and the second througharea PNA2 may have a curved shape, and the other of the first througharea PNA1 and the second through area PNA2 may have a linear shape.

Accordingly, the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in thefirst display area DA1 may be different from the second elongation rateof the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a first area of one of a plurality of first pixelarea PA1 may be different from a second area of one of a plurality ofsecond pixel area PA2. In this case, for uniform resolution, the area ofthe first pixel PX1 may be the same as the area of the second pixel PX2.

In an embodiment, the first region of the first pixel area PA1 may begreater than the second region of the second pixel area PA2. In thiscase, when tensile force is applied, the first elongation rate of thedisplay panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be less than thesecond elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second displayarea DA2. In another embodiment, the first region of the first pixelarea PA1 may be less than the second region of the second pixel areaPA2. In this case, when tensile force is applied, the first elongationrate of the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may begreater than the second elongation rate of the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2.

A width PAw1 of the first pixel area PA1 may be different from a widthPAw2 of the second pixel area PA2. The width PAw1 of the first pixelarea PA1 may be a distance between the edges PAE1 of the first pixelarea PA1 facing each other. In an embodiment, the width PAw1 of thefirst pixel area PA1 may be a distance between the edges PAE1 of thefirst pixel area PA1 facing each other in the second direction (e.g.,the y-direction or the (−) y-direction). The width PAw2 of the secondpixel area PA2 may be a distance between the edges PAE2 of the secondpixel area PA2 facing each other. In an embodiment, the width PAw2 ofthe second pixel area PA2 may be a distance between the edges PAE2 ofthe second pixel area PA2 facing each other in the second direction(e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction).

In an embodiment, the width PAw1 of the first pixel area PA1 may begreater than the width PAw2 of the second pixel area PA2. In this case,when tensile force is applied, the first elongation rate of the displaypanel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be less than the secondelongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.In another embodiment, the width PAw1 of the first pixel area PA1 may beless than the width PAw2 of the second pixel area PA2. In this case,when tensile force is applied, the first elongation rate of the displaypanel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be greater than the secondelongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

In an embodiment, the shape of one of the plurality of first connectionareas CA1 may be different from that of one of the plurality of secondconnection areas CA2. The shape of the first connection area CA1 may bedefined by the edge CAE1 of the first connection area CA1. The shape ofthe second connection area CA2 may be defined by the edge CAE2 of thesecond connection area CA2. In other words, the shape of the firstconnection area CA1 may not coincide with that of the second connectionarea CA2.

A first length CAI1 of one of the plurality of first connection areasCA1 may be different from a second length CAI2 of one of the pluralityof second connection areas CA2. The first length CAI1 of the firstconnection area CA1 may be a distance between the edges PAE1 of thefirst pixel area PA1 facing each other with the first through area PNA1therebetween. In an embodiment, the first length CAI1 of the firstconnection area CA1 may be a distance between the edges PAE1 of thefirst pixel area PA1 facing each other in the first direction (e.g., thex-direction or the (−) x-direction) with the first through area PNA1therebetween. The second length CAI2 of the second connection area CA2may be a distance between the edges PAE2 of the second pixel area PA2facing each other with the second through area PNA2 therebetween. In anembodiment, the second length CAI2 of the second connection area CA2 maybe a distance between the edges PAE2 of the second pixel area PA2 facingeach other in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (−)x-direction) with the second through area PNA2 therebetween.

In an embodiment, the first length CAI1 of the first connection area CA1may be less than the second length CAI2 of the second connection areaCA2. In this case, when tensile force is applied, the first elongationrate of the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be lessthan the second elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the seconddisplay area DA2. In another embodiment, the first length CAI1 of thefirst connection area CA1 may be greater than the second length CAI2 ofthe second connection area CA2. In this case, when tensile force isapplied, the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be greater than the second elongation rate of thedisplay panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a first width CAw1 of one of the plurality offirst connection areas CA1 may be different from a second width CAw2 ofone of the plurality of second connection areas CA2. The first widthCAw1 of the first connection area CA1 may be a distance between theedges CAE1 of the first connection area CA1 facing each other in adirection perpendicular to an extension direction of the firstconnection area CA1. In an embodiment, in the case where the firstconnection area CA1 extends in the first direction (e.g., thex-direction or the (−) x-direction), the first width CAw1 of the firstconnection area CA1 may be a distance between the edges CAE1 of thefirst connection area CA1 facing each other in the second direction(e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction). A second width CAw2 ofthe second connection area CA2 may be a distance between the edges CAE2of the second connection area CA2 facing each other in a directionperpendicular to an extension direction of the second connection areaCA2. In an embodiment, in the case where the second connection area CA2extends in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (−)x-direction), the second width CAw2 of the second connection area CA2may be a distance between the edges CAE2 of the second connection areaCA2 facing each other in the second direction (e.g., the y-direction orthe (−) y-direction).

In an embodiment, the first width CAw1 of the first connection area CA1may be greater than the second width CAw2 of the second connection areaCA2. In this case, when tensile force is applied, the first elongationrate of the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be lessthan the second elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the seconddisplay area DA2. In another embodiment, the first width CAw1 of thefirst connection area CA1 may be less than the second width CAw2 of thesecond connection area CA2. In this case, when tensile force is applied,the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the first displayarea DA1 may be greater than the second elongation rate of the displaypanel 10 in the second display area DA2.

Referring to FIG. 3C, one of the plurality of first connection areas CA1may extend in a linear shape, and one of the plurality of secondconnection areas CA2 may extend in a curved shape. The first connectionarea CA1 may extend in a linear shape and the edge CAE1 of the firstconnection area CA1 may extend in one direction. In an embodiment, thesecond connection area CA2 may extend in a curved shape and the edgeCAE2 of the second connection area CA2 may include a curved shape. Inthis case, when tensile force is applied, the first elongation rate ofthe display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be less than thesecond elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second displayarea DA2.

In another embodiment, one of the plurality of first connection areasCA1 may extend in a curved shape, and one of the plurality of secondconnection areas CA2 may extend in a linear shape. In this case, whentensile force is applied, the first elongation rate of the display panel10 in the first display area DA1 may be greater than the secondelongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

In another embodiment, one of the plurality of first connection areasCA1 and one of the plurality of second connection areas CA2 may eachextend in a curved shape.

Though not shown, in an embodiment, the thickness of one of theplurality of first connection areas CA1 may be different from that ofone of the plurality of second connection areas CA2. In an embodiment,the thickness of one of the plurality of first pixel areas PA1 may bedifferent from that of one of the plurality of second pixel areas PA2.Accordingly, when tensile force is applied, the first elongation rate ofthe display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be different fromthe second elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second displayarea DA2.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the first pixel PX1 and the secondpixel PX2 may each include a red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, anda blue sub-pixel Pb. A red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, and ablue sub-pixel Pb may respectively emit red light, green light, and bluelight. In another embodiment, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixelPX2 may each include a red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, a bluesub-pixel Pb, and a white sub-pixel. A red sub-pixel Pr, a greensub-pixel Pg, a blue sub-pixel Pb, and a white sub-pixel mayrespectively emit red light, green light, blue light, and white light.Hereinafter, the case where the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2may each include a red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, and a bluesub-pixel Pb is mainly described in detail.

In an embodiment, the area of a sub-pixel of the first pixel PX1 may bethe same as the area of a sub-pixel of the second pixel PX2.Accordingly, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2may maintain the same resolution.

In an embodiment, a sub-pixel arrangement structure of the first pixelPX1 and a sub-pixel arrangement structure of the second pixel PX2 may beprovided in an S-stripe structure. In an embodiment, a blue sub-pixel Pbmay be arranged on a first column 11, and a red sub-pixel Pr and a greensub-pixel Pg may be arranged on an adjacent second column 21. In thiscase, blue sub-pixels Pb may be arranged in a quadrangular shape havinglong sides in the second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (−)y-direction), and red sub-pixels Pr and green sub-pixels Pg may bearranged in a quadrangular shape. In other words, a side of a redsub-pixel Pr and a side of a green sub-pixel Pg may face long sides ofblue sub-pixels Pb.

In another embodiment, a sub-pixel arrangement structure of the firstpixel PX1 and a sub-pixel arrangement structure of the second pixel PX2may be provided in an S-stripe structure. In an embodiment, a redsub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, and a blue sub-pixel Pb may bearranged side by side in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction orthe (−) x-direction) or in the second direction (e.g., the y-directionor the (−) y-direction). In another embodiment, a sub-pixel arrangementstructure of the first pixel PX1 and a sub-pixel arrangement structureof the second pixel PX2 may be provided in a pentile structure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the display apparatus 1 taken alonglines C-C′ and D-D′ of FIG. 3A. In FIG. 4 , because the same referencenumerals as those of FIG. 3A denote the same elements, repeateddescriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the display apparatus 1 may include the displaypanel 10. The display panel 10 may include the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2. When tensile force is applied, thefirst elongation rate of the first display area DA1 may be differentform the second elongation rate of the second display area DA2. In anembodiment, a structure of the display panel 10 in the first displayarea DA1 may be different from a structure of the display panel 10 inthe second display area DA2.

The display panel 10 may include the substrate 100, the pixel layer 200,and an inorganic layer 300. The pixel layer 200 may include the firstpixel PX1 in the first display area DA1. The pixel layer 200 may includethe second pixel PX2 in the second display area DA2. In an embodiment,the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may each include a bluesub-pixel Pb, a red sub-pixel Pr, and a green sub-pixel (not shown).

In an embodiment, when tensile force is applied, the elongation rate ofthe substrate 100 in the first display area DA1 may be different fromthe elongation rate of the substrate 100 in the second display area DA2.In an embodiment, the elongation rate of the substrate 100 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be greater than the elongation rate of thesubstrate 100 in the second display area DA2. In another embodiment, theelongation rate of the substrate 100 in the first display area DA1 maybe less than the elongation rate of the substrate 100 in the seconddisplay area DA2.

In the case where the substrate 100 includes an organic material, thesoftness of the organic material in the first display area DA1 may bedifferent from the softness of the organic material in the seconddisplay area DA2. In the case where the substrate 100 includespolyimide, the hardness of the polyimide in the first display area DA1may be different from the hardness of the polyimide in the seconddisplay area DA2. In an alternative embodiment, the material of thesubstrate 100 in the first display area DA1 may be different from thematerial of the substrate 100 in the second display area DA2.

The inorganic layer 300 may be arranged between the substrate 100 andthe pixel layer 200. In an embodiment, the inorganic layer 300 mayinclude an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO₂),silicon nitride (SiN_(x)), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide(Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide(HfO₂), or zinc oxide (ZnO_(x)). Zinc oxide (ZnO_(x)) may be ZnO and/orZnO₂.

In an embodiment, a ratio of the inorganic layer 300 to the displaypanel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be the same as a ratio of theinorganic layer 300 to the display panel 10 in the second display areaDA2. In another embodiment, a ratio of the inorganic layer 300 to thedisplay panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be different from aratio of the inorganic layer 300 to the display panel 10 in the seconddisplay area DA2. The ratio of the inorganic layer 300 to the displaypanel 10 may be a ratio of the volume of the organic layer 300 to thevolume of the display panel 10. In an alternative embodiment, the ratioof the inorganic layer 300 to the display panel 10 may be a ratio of theweight of the inorganic layer 300 to the weight of the display panel 10.In an alternative embodiment, the ratio of the inorganic layer 300 tothe display panel 10 may be a ratio of the thickness of the inorganiclayer 300 to the thickness of the display panel 10. In an alternativeembodiment, the ratio of the inorganic layer 300 to the display panel 10may be a ratio of the area of the inorganic layer 300 to the area of thedisplay panel 10.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the display apparatus 1 taken alonglines C-C′ and D-D′ of FIG. 3A. In FIG. 5 , because the same referencenumerals as those of FIG. 4 denote the same elements, repeateddescriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the display apparatus 1 may include the displaypanel 10 and a film layer 20. The display panel 10 may include the firstdisplay area DA1 and the second display area DA2. When tensile force isapplied, the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from the second elongation rate of thedisplay panel 10 in the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, thestructure of the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may bedifferent from the structure of the display panel 10 in the seconddisplay area DA2.

The display panel 10 may include the substrate 100 and the pixel layer200. The pixel layer 200 may include the first pixel PX1 in the firstdisplay area DA1. The pixel layer 200 may include the second pixel PX2in the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, the first pixel PX1and the second pixel PX2 may each include a blue sub-pixel, a redsub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel (not shown).

The film layer 20 may be arranged on at least one of an upper surface10US of the display panel 10 and a lower surface 10LS of the displaypanel 10. The upper surface 10US of the display panel 10 may be oppositeto the lower surface 10LS of the display panel 10. The film layer 20 mayinclude an organic material. The film layer 20 may include polymer. Inan embodiment, the film layer 20 may include polyethylene terephthalate.

In an embodiment, the film layer 20 may include an upper film layer 20Uand a lower film layer 20L such that the upper film layer 20U isdisposed on the upper surface 10US of the display panel 10, and thelower film layer 20L is disposed on the lower surface 10LS of thedisplay panel 10. In another embodiment, the film layer 20 may includethe upper film layer 20U and may not be arranged on the lower surface10LS of the display panel 10. In another embodiment, the film layer 20may not be arranged on the upper surface 10US of the display panel 10and may include the lower film layer 20L. Hereinafter, the case wherethe film layer 20 includes the upper film layer 20U and the lower filmlayer 20L is mainly described in detail.

In an embodiment, when tensile force is applied, the elongation rate ofthe film layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1 may bedifferent from the elongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlapsthe second display area DA2. In an embodiment, the elongation rate ofthe film layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1 may begreater than the elongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlaps thesecond display area DA2. In another embodiment, the elongation rate ofthe film layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1 may be lessthan the elongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlaps the seconddisplay area DA2. In another embodiment, when tensile force is applied,the elongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlaps the first displayarea DA1 may be the same as the elongation rate of the film layer 20that overlaps the second display area DA2.

In an embodiment, the shape of the film layer 20 that overlaps the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from the shape of the film layer 20that overlaps the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, a groove ora hole may be defined in at least one of the film layer 20 that overlapsthe first display area DA1 and the film layer 20 that overlaps thesecond display area DA2. In another embodiment, the shape of the filmlayer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1 may be the same as theshape of the film layer 20 that overlaps the second display area DA2.

In an embodiment, the film layer 20 that overlaps the first display areaDA1 may include a first upper film layer 20U1 and a first lower filmlayer 20L1. In this case, a groove or a hole may be defined in at leastone of the first upper film layer 20U1 and the first lower film layer20L1. In an embodiment, the film layer 20 that overlaps the seconddisplay area DA2 may include a second upper film layer 20U2 and a secondlower film layer 20L2. In this case, a groove or a hole may be definedin at least of the second upper film layer 20U2 and the second lowerfilm layer 20L2.

In an embodiment, the material of the film layer 20 that overlaps thefirst display area DA1 may be different from the material of the filmlayer 20 that overlaps the second display area DA2. In an embodiment,only one of the film layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1and the film layer 20 that overlaps the second display area DA2 mayfurther include an additive. In an embodiment, the modulus of the filmlayer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1 may be different fromthe modulus of the film layer 20 that overlaps the second display areaDA2.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of the first display area DA1 andthe second display area DA2. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of regions A andB of FIG. 2 . In FIG. 6 , because the same reference numerals as thoseof FIGS. 3A to 3C denote the same elements, repeated descriptionsthereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the display panel 10 may include the first displayarea DA1 and the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, thestructure of the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may bethe same as the structure of the display panel 10 in the second displayarea DA2.

The first display area DA1 may include the first pixel area PA1, thefirst connection area CA1, and the first through area PNA1. The firstpixel PX1 may be arranged in the first pixel area PA1. The firstconnection area CA1 may extend from the first pixel area PA1. An openingmay be defined through the display panel 10 in the first through areaPNA1.

The second display area DA2 may include the second pixel area PA2, thesecond connection area CA2, and the second through area PNA2. The secondpixel PX2 may be arranged in the second pixel area PA2. The secondconnection area CA2 may extend from the second pixel area PA2. Anopening may be defined through the display panel 10 in the secondthrough area PNA2.

In an embodiment, the shape of one of the plurality of first throughareas PNA1 may be the same as the shape of one of the plurality ofsecond through areas PNA2. In an embodiment, the width PAw1 of the firstpixel area PA1 may be the same as the width PAw2 of the second pixelarea PA2. In an embodiment, the first length CAI1 of the firstconnection area CA1 may be the same as the second length CAI2 of thesecond connection area CA2.

A kind of the material of the display panel 10 in the first display areaDA1 may be different from a kind of the material of the display panel 10in the second display area DA2. Accordingly, when tensile force isapplied, the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from the second elongation rate of thedisplay panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

In an embodiment, a ratio of an inorganic layer (not shown) to thedisplay panel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be different from aratio of an inorganic layer (not shown) to the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2. In an embodiment, a ratio of the area of theinorganic layer to the entire area of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from a ratio of the area of theinorganic layer to the entire area of the display panel 10 in the seconddisplay area DA2.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the display apparatus 1taken along lines E-E′ and F-F′ of FIG. 6 . In FIGS. 7A and 7B, becausethe same reference numerals as those of FIG. 4 denote the same elements,repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the display apparatus 1 may include thedisplay panel 10. The display panel 10 may include the first displayarea DA1 and the second display area DA2. When tensile force is applied,the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the first displayarea DA1 may be different from the second elongation rate of the displaypanel 10 in the second display area DA2.

The display panel 10 may include the substrate 100, the pixel layer 200,and the inorganic layer 300. The pixel layer 200 may include the firstpixel PX1 in the first display area DA1. The pixel layer 200 may includethe second pixel PX2 in the second display area DA2. In an embodiment,the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may each include a bluesub-pixel Pb, a red sub-pixel Pr, and a green sub-pixel (not shown). Theinorganic layer 300 may be arranged between the substrate 100 and thepixel layer 200.

A ratio of the inorganic layer 300 to the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from a ratio of the inorganic layer300 to the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a thickness 300 t 1 of the inorganic layer 300 inthe first display area DA1 may be different from a thickness 300 t 2 ofthe inorganic layer 300 in the second display area DA2. In anembodiment, the thickness 300 t 1 of the inorganic layer 300 in thefirst display area DA1 may be greater than the thickness 300 t 2 of theinorganic layer 300 in the second display area DA2. In this case, thefirst elongation rate of the display panel 10 in the first display areaDA1 may be less than the second elongation rate of the display panel 10in the second display area DA2. In another embodiment, the thickness 300t 1 of the inorganic layer 300 in the first display area DA1 may be lessthan the thickness 300 t 2 of the inorganic layer 300 in the seconddisplay area DA2. In this case, the first elongation rate of the displaypanel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be greater than the secondelongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the inorganic layer 300 may be continuouslyarranged in the first display area DA1. The inorganic layer 300 mayinclude a plurality of inorganic patterns spaced apart from each otherin the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, the inorganic layer300 may include a first inorganic pattern 300P1 and a second inorganicpattern 300P2 spaced apart from each other in the second display areaDA2. In this case, the first elongation rate of the display panel 10 inthe first display area DA1 may be less than the second elongation rateof the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2. In anotherembodiment, the inorganic layer 300 in the first display area DA1 mayinclude a plurality of inorganic patterns spaced apart from each other.The inorganic layer 300 may be continuously arranged in the seconddisplay area DA2. In this case, the first elongation rate of the displaypanel 10 in the first display area DA1 may be greater than the secondelongation rate of the display panel 10 in the second display area DA2.

The embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B is applicableto the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 describedwith reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method of manufacturinga display apparatus. FIGS. 9A to 9E are cross-sectional views showing anembodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus. In FIGS. 9Ato 9E, because the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1 denote thesame elements, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the method of manufacturing the display apparatusmay include elongating a display substrate to extend along a surfaceshape of an object, the display substrate including a first region and asecond region (S11), determining a first elongation state of the displaysubstrate in the first region and a second elongation state of thedisplay substrate in the second region (S13), and forming a displaypanel extending in one direction and including a first display area anda second display area, where a plurality of first pixels is arrangedwith a first interval set from the first elongation state, and aplurality of second pixels is arranged with a second interval set fromthe second elongation state (S15). Hereinafter, the method ofmanufacturing the display apparatus is described in detail withreference to FIGS. 9A to 9E.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a display substrate DS may be elongated to extendalong the surface shape of an object. The display substrate DS mayinclude a first region R1, a second region R2, and a third region R3.The first region R1 may be a region that overlaps a first mold surfaceSSM1 of a mold MD described below. The second region R2 may be a regionthat overlaps a second mold surface SSM2 of the mold MD described below.The third region R3 may be a region that overlaps a third mold surfaceSSM3 of the mold MD described below.

The display substrate DS may include the substrate 100 and the pixellayer 200. In an embodiment, the display substrate DS may furtherinclude an inorganic layer (not shown) between the substrate 100 and thepixel layer 200. In an embodiment, the display substrate DS may furtherinclude a film layer (not shown) arranged on at least one of an uppersurface DSUS of the display substrate DS and a lower surface DSLS of thedisplay substrate DS. The upper surface DSUS of the display substrate DSmay be opposite to the lower surface DSLS of the display substrate DS.The display substrate DS may include substantially the same material asthat of a display apparatus (not shown) that is manufactured.

In an embodiment, the display substrate DS extending in one directionmay be pressed to the mold MD. In an embodiment, the mold MD may facethe lower surface DSLS of the display substrate DS. In an embodiment,the mold MD may include a protrusion that protrudes in a predetermineddirection (e.g., upper direction in FIG. 9A).

A surface SSM of the mold MD may include a plurality of surfaces. Thesurface SSM of the mold MD may be substantially the same as the surfaceSS (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the object OB (refer to FIG. 1 ). The pluralityof surfaces may each be a partial surface defining a portion of thesurface SS of the mold MD. In an embodiment, the surface SSM of the moldMD may include a first mold surface SSM1, a second mold surface SSM2,and a third mold surface SSM3. The first mold surface SSM1 may have afirst mold shape. The second mold surface SSM2 may have a second moldshape. The third mold surface SSM3 may have a third mold shape.

In an embodiment, one of the first mold shape, the second mold shape,and the third mold shape may be different from another of the first moldshape, the second mold shape, and the third mold shape. In anembodiment, the first mold surface SSM1 may have a first curvature. Thesecond mold surface SSM2 may have a second curvature. The firstcurvature of the first mold surface SSM1 may be less or greater than thesecond curvature of the second mold surface SSM2. The third mold surfaceSSM3 may be flat. Hereinafter, the case where the surface SSM of themold MD includes the first mold surface SSM1, the second mold surfaceSSM2, and the third mold surface SSM3 is mainly described in detail.However, the invention is not limited thereto. The embodiment isapplicable to the surface SSM of the mold MD having various shapes.

In an embodiment, the display substrate DS extending in one directionmay be transformed to extend along the surface SSM of the mold MD. In anembodiment, the display substrate DS extending in the first direction(e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction) may be transformed toextend along the surface SSM of the mold MD. In an embodiment, the firstregion R1 may be transformed to extend along the first mold surfaceSSM1. In this case, the first region R1 may have a first curvature. Thesecond region R2 may be transformed to extend along the second moldsurface SSM2. The second region R2 may have a second curvature. Thethird region R3 may extend along the third mold surface SSM3. The thirdregion R3 may be flat.

The display substrate DS may be elongated on the surface SSM of the moldMD. In an embodiment, the first region R1 may be elongated to a firstelongation state ER1. The second region R2 may be elongated to a secondelongation state ER2. In this case, a degree in which the displaysubstrate DS in the first region R1 is elongated may be different from adegree in which the display substrate DS in the second region R2 iselongated. In an embodiment, a degree in which the display substrate DSin the first region R1 is elongated may be less than a degree in whichthe display substrate DS in the second region R2 is elongated.

Referring to FIG. 9B, a plurality of pixels PX may be arranged with aconstant interval int on the display substrate DS that is transformed.In an embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX may be arranged with aconstant interval int in the first region R1, the second region R2, andthe third region R3. The constant interval int may be a distance betweenthe plurality of pixels PX that are adjacent in an extension directionof the display substrate DS. In an embodiment, a distance between thefirst pixels PX1 that are adjacent in the first region R1, a distancebetween the second pixels PX2 that are adjacent in the second region R2,and a distance between the third pixels PX3 that are adjacent in thethird region R3 may be the same.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX may be arrangedon the display substrate DS that is transformed to be uniformly arrangedwhen viewed by a user. In an embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX maybe uniformly arranged when the display substrate DS that is transformedis viewed in a z-direction of FIG. 9B.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX may be arrangedon the display substrate DS that is transformed such that the density ofthe pixels PX is substantially the same. In an embodiment, the pixels PXmay be arranged such that the density of the first pixels PX1 in thefirst region R1, the density of the second pixels PX2 in the secondregion R2, and the density of the third pixels PX3 in the third regionR3 are substantially the same.

The first elongation state ER1 of the display substrate DS in the firstregion R1 and the second elongation state ER2 of the display substrateDS in the second region R2 may be determined. In an embodiment, aplurality of align marks may be arranged with a preset interval beforethe display substrate DS is elongated. Next, the display substrate DS iselongated, and then, the positions of the plurality of align marks maybe determined. Accordingly, the first elongation state ER1 of thedisplay substrate DS in the first region R1 and the second elongationstate ER2 of the display substrate DS in the second region R2 may bedetermined. Specifically, a degree in which the display substrate DS inthe first region R1 is elongated and a degree in which the displaysubstrate DS in the second region R2 is elongated may be determined. Inanother embodiment, the first elongation state ER1 and the secondelongation state ER2 may be determined through computer simulation. Inan embodiment, a mesh structure set in advance may be set in the displaysubstrate DS extending in one direction. Next, when the displaysubstrate DS is elongated, the change of the mesh structure may bedetermined through computer simulation. Accordingly, the firstelongation state ER1 of the display substrate DS in the first region R1and the second elongation state ER2 of the display substrate DS in thesecond region R2 may be determined.

Referring to FIGS. 9B and 9C, the display panel 10 may be provided. Thedisplay panel 10 may extend in one direction. In an embodiment, thedisplay panel 10 may extend in the first direction (e.g., thex-direction or the (−) x-direction).

The display panel 10 may include the display area DA. The display areaDA may include the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2,and the third display area DA3. The plurality of pixels may be arrangedin the display area DA. The plurality of pixels PX may include the firstpixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3. The firstpixel PX1 may be arranged in the first display area DA1. The secondpixel PX2 may be arranged in the second display area DA2. The thirdpixel PX3 may be arranged in the third display area DA3.

The first pixel PX1 may be provided in plural in the first display areaDA1. The plurality of first pixels PX1 may be arranged with a firstinterval int1 in the first display area DA1. The first interval int1 maybe set from the first elongation state ER1. In an embodiment, for theplurality of first pixels PX1 to be arranged with a constant intervalint in the display panel 10 that is elongated along the surface shape ofan object, the first interval int1 may be reduced by a ratio in whichthe display substrate DS is elongated in the first region R1 compared tothe constant interval int. Accordingly, the first pixels PX1 may bearranged with the first interval int1 in the display panel 10 in onedirection. Such description is applicable to not only the firstdirection (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction), but also thesecond direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction) and/or athird direction (e.g. a z-direction or a (−) z-direction).

The second pixel PX2 may be provided in plural in the second displayarea DA2. The plurality of second pixels PX2 may be arranged with asecond interval int2 in the second display area DA2. The second intervalint2 may be set from the second elongation state ER2. In an embodiment,for the plurality of second pixels PX2 to be arranged with a constantinterval int in the display panel 10 that is elongated along the surfaceshape of an object, the second interval int2 may be reduced by a ratioin which the display substrate DS is elongated in the first region R1compared to the constant interval int. Accordingly, the second pixelsPX2 may be arranged with the second interval int2 in the display panel10 in one direction. In an embodiment, the second interval int2 may beless than the first interval int1. Such description is applicable to notonly the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction),but also the second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (−)y-direction) and/or the third direction (e.g. the z-direction or the (−)z-direction).

The third pixel PX3 may be provided in plural in the third display areaDA3. The plurality of third pixels PX3 may be arranged with a thirdinterval int3 in the third display area DA3. In the case where the thirddisplay area DA3 is not elongated, the third interval int3 may besubstantially the same as the constant interval int.

In other words, the densities of the plurality of pixels PX in thedisplay area DA may be different depending on the position of the pixelsPX inside the display area DA. In an embodiment, the density of thefirst pixels PX1 in the first display area DA1, the density of thesecond pixels PX2 in the second display area DA2, and the density of thethird pixels PX3 in the third display area DA3 are be different from oneanother.

Referring to FIG. 9D, the display panel 10 may be transformed to extendalong the surface shape of the object. In an embodiment, the displaypanel 10 may be transformed by the mold MD having substantially the samesurface shape as the surface shape of an object.

The mold MD may face one of the upper surface 10US of the display panel10 and the lower surface 10LS of the display panel 10. The upper surface10US of the display panel 10 may be an upper surface of the pixel layer200. The lower surface 10LS of the display panel 10 may be a lowersurface of the substrate 100. In an embodiment, the mold MD may face thelower surface 10LS of the display panel 10.

The first interval int1 and the second interval int2 may be changed tobe the same as each other. In an embodiment, the first display area DA1may be elongated to the first elongation state ER1, and the firstinterval int1 between the first pixels PX1 that are adjacent to eachother may be changed. In an embodiment, the second display area DA2 maybe elongated to the second elongation state ER2, and the second intervalint2 between the second pixels PX2 that are adjacent to each other maybe changed. The first interval int1 and the second interval int2 arevalues by respectively taking into account the first elongation stateER1 and the second elongation state ER2, and may be changed to aconstant interval int. In an embodiment, the third display area DA3 maynot be elongated. Accordingly, an interval between the third pixels PX3that are adjacent to each other may be maintained as the third intervalint3. In an embodiment, the plurality of first pixels PX1, the pluralityof second pixels PX2, and the plurality of third pixels PX3 may each bearranged with a constant interval int in the display panel 10 that iselongated.

In an embodiment, the first elongation state ER1 may be one of arelatively high elongation state and a relatively low elongation state,and the second elongation state ER2 may be the other of the relativelyhigh elongation state and the relatively low elongation state. In anembodiment, the first elongation state ER1 may be the relatively highelongation state. The second elongation state ER2 may be the relativelylow elongation state.

Referring to FIG. 9E, the display apparatus 1 may be arranged on theobject OB. In an embodiment, the first elongation state of the displaysubstrate DS in the first region R1 and the second elongation state ofthe display substrate DS in the second region R2 may be determined, andthe first interval int1 and the second interval int2 may be respectivelyset from the first elongation state ER1 and the second elongation stateER2. In addition, the display panel 10 may extend in one direction andinclude the plurality of first pixels PX1 and the plurality of secondpixels PX2 respectively spaced apart from each other with the firstinterval int1 and the second interval int2.

Next, the display panel 10 extending in one direction is transformed,and the display apparatus 1 having a uniform pixel arrangement may bearranged on the surface of the object OB having various shapes.Accordingly, the plurality of pixels arranged on the surface of theobject OB may be entirely or substantially prevented from being viewedto a user as being non-uniformly arranged.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing another embodimentof a method of manufacturing a display apparatus. In FIGS. 10A and 10B,because the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 9A to 9E denotethe same elements, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the display substrate DS may be elongated toextend along the surface shape of an object. The display substrate DSmay include a first region R1-1, a second region R2-1, and a thirdregion R3-1. Because the first region R1-1, the second region R2-1, andthe third region R3-1 are the same as or similar to the first region R1,the second region R2, and the third region R3 of FIG. 9A, repeateddescriptions thereof are omitted.

In an embodiment, the display substrate DS extending in one directionmay be pressed to a mold MD-1. In an embodiment, the mold MD-1 may facethe upper surface DSUS of the display substrate DS. The upper surfaceDSUS of the display substrate DS may be an upper surface of the pixellayer 200. In an embodiment, a concave portion that is dented in apredetermined direction (e.g., upper direction in FIG. 10A) may bedefined in the mold MD-1.

A surface SSM-1 of the mold MD-1 may include a plurality of surfaces. Inan embodiment, the surface SSM-1 of the mold MD-1 may have a shape thatis dented to transform the shape of the display substrate DS such thatthe display substrate DS is arranged on the surface SS (refer to FIG. 1) of the object OB (refer to FIG. 1 ). In an embodiment, the surfaceSSM-1 of the mold MD-1 may include a first mold surface SSM1-1, a secondmold surface SSM2-1, and a third mold surface SSM3-1.

In an embodiment, the display substrate DS extending in one directionmay be transformed to extend along the surface SSM-1 of the mold MD-1.In an embodiment, the display substrate DS extending in the firstdirection (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction) may betransformed to extend along the surface SSM-1 of the mold MD-1.

The display substrate DS may be elongated on the surface SSM-1 of themold MD-1. In an embodiment, the first region R1-1 may be elongated to afirst elongation state ER1-1. The second region R2-1 may be elongated toa second elongation state ER2-1. In this case, the first elongationstate ER1-1 may be different from the second elongation state ER2-1. Inan embodiment, a degree in which the display substrate DS in the firstregion R1-1 is elongated may be greater than a degree in which thedisplay substrate DS in the second region R2-1 is elongated.

Next, the plurality of pixels may be arranged with a constant intervalon the display substrate DS that is transformed, and the firstelongation state ER1-1 of the display substrate DS in the first regionR1-1 and the second elongation state ER2-1 of the display substrate DSin the second region R2-1 may be determined.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the display panel 10 may be provided. The displaypanel 10 may extend in one direction. In an embodiment, the displaypanel 10 may extend in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the(−) x-direction). The display area DA may include the first display areaDA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3.

The first pixel PX1 may be provided in plural in the first display areaDA1. The plurality of first pixels PX1 may be arranged with a firstinterval int1-1 in the first display area DA1. The first interval int1-1may be set from the first elongation state ER1-1.

The second pixel PX2 may be provided in plural in the second displayarea DA2. The plurality of second pixels PX2 may be arranged with asecond interval int2-1 in the second display area DA2. The secondinterval int2-1 may be set from the second elongation state ER2-1.

In an embodiment, the second interval int2-1 may be greater than thefirst interval int1-1.

The third pixel PX3 may be provided in plural in the third display areaDA3. The plurality of third pixels PX3 may be arranged with a thirdinterval int3-1 in the third display area DA3.

Next, the display panel 10 may be transformed to extend along thesurface shape of an object. In an embodiment, the display panel 10 thatextends in one direction may be transformed by the mold MD-1.

The mold MD-1 may face one of the upper surface 10US of the displaypanel 10 and the lower surface 10LS of the display panel 10. In anembodiment, the mold MD-1 may face the upper surface 10US of the displaypanel 10. The upper surface 10US of the display panel 10 may be theupper surface of the pixel layer 200.

The first interval int1-1 and the second interval int2-1 may be changedto be the same as each other. In an embodiment, the first display areaDA1 may be elongated to a first elongation state ER1-1, and the firstinterval int1-1 between the first pixels PX1 that are adjacent to eachother may be changed. In an embodiment, the second display area DA2 maybe elongated to the second elongation state ER2-1, and the firstinterval int2-1 between the second pixels PX1 that are adjacent to eachother may be changed. The first interval int1-1 and the second intervalint2-1 are values by respectively taking into account the firstelongation state ER1-1 and the second elongation state ER2-1, and thefirst interval int1-1 and the second interval int2-1 may be changed intoa constant interval. In an embodiment, the third display area DA3 maynot be elongated. Accordingly, an interval between the third pixels PX3that are adjacent to each other may be maintained as the third intervalint3-1. In an embodiment, the plurality of first pixels PX1, theplurality of second pixels PX2, and the plurality of third pixels PX3may each be arranged at a constant interval in the display panel 10 thatis elongated.

In an embodiment, the first elongation state ER1-1 may be one of arelatively high elongation state and a relatively low elongation state,and the second elongation state ER2-1 may be the other of the relativelyhigh elongation state and the relatively low elongation state. In anembodiment, the first elongation state ER1-1 may be in the relativelylow elongation state. The second elongation state ER2-1 may be in therelatively high elongation state.

The method of manufacturing the display apparatus described withreference to FIGS. 10A and 10B is different from the method ofmanufacturing the display apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 9Ato 9E in that the surface of the display panel 10 that faces the mold isselected as one of the upper surface 10US of the display panel 10 andthe lower surface 10LS of the display panel 10. The first elongationstate of the first display area DA1 and the second elongation state ofthe second display area DA2 may be different depending on each method,and pixel arrangement may be different when the display panel 10 thatextends in one direction is provided.

In an embodiment, an elongation state of each region may be determinedfrom the display substrate DS that is transformed, and the pixels may beprovided in each region with a pixel interval set from the elongationstate. Accordingly, whatever method is used, intervals between pixelsthat are adjacent to each other in the display panel that extends alongthe shape of an object may be substantially the same.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the method of manufacturing the display apparatusmay include elongating a display substrate to extend along a surfaceshape of an object, the display substrate including a first region and asecond region (S11), determining a first elongation state of the displaysubstrate in the first region and a second elongation state of thedisplay substrate in the second region (S13), and forming a displaypanel extending in one direction, the display panel including a firstdisplay area having a first elongation rate and a second display areahaving a second elongation rate, where a plurality of first pixels isarranged with a first interval set from the first elongation state, anda plurality of second pixels is arranged with a second interval set fromthe second elongation state (S16).

In an embodiment, the display panel may be provided such that the firstdisplay area has the first elongation rate and the second display areahas the second elongation rate when tensile force is applied. In anembodiment, the first elongation rate may be determined based on thestructure of the display panel in the first display area and/or thematerial of the display panel in the first display area. In addition,the second elongation rate may be determined based on the structure ofthe display panel in the second display area and/or the material of thedisplay panel in the second display area. In an embodiment, as in theembodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the display panelmay be provided such that the structure of the first display area DA1 isdifferent from the structure of the second display area DA2.

In another embodiment, as in the embodiment described with reference toFIG. 4 , the display panel may be provided such that the elongation rateof the substrate 100 in the first display area DA1 is different from theelongation rate of the substrate 100 in the second display area DA2 whentensile force is applied.

In another embodiment, as in the embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, the display panel may be provided such that a kindof the material of the display panel 10 in the first display area DA1 isdifferent from a kind of the material of the display panel 10 in thesecond display area DA2.

Accordingly, even though the display panel extends along the surface ofan object, an interval between the plurality of pixels that are adjacentto each other may be maintained as constant.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus. In FIG. 12 , because the samereference numerals as those of FIG. 9C denote the same elements,repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the display panel 10 may be provided. The displaypanel 10 may extend in one direction. In an embodiment, the displaypanel 10 may extend in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the(−) x-direction).

The display panel 10 may include the display area DA. The display areaDA may include the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2,and the third display area DA3.

The plurality of pixels PX may include the first pixel PX1, the secondpixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3. The first pixel PX1 may be arrangedin the first display area DA1. The plurality of first pixels PX1 may bearranged with the first interval int1 in the first display area DA1. Thesecond pixel PX2 may be arranged in the second display area DA2. Theplurality of second pixels PX2 may be arranged with the second intervalint2 in the second display area DA2. The third pixel PX3 may be arrangedin the third display area DA3. The plurality of third pixels PX3 may bearranged with the third interval int3 in the third display area DA3.

In an embodiment, the film layer 20 may be attached to at least one ofthe upper surface 10US of the display panel 10 and the lower surface10LS of the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the upper film layer 20Umay be attached to the upper surface 10US of the display panel 10, andthe lower film layer 20L may be attached to the lower surface 10LS ofthe display panel 10. In another embodiment, the upper film layer 20Umay be attached to the upper surface 10US of the display panel 10, andthe lower film layer 20L may not be attached to the lower surface 10LSof the display panel 10. In another embodiment, the upper film layer 20Umay not be attached to the upper surface 10US of the display panel 10,and the lower film layer 20L may be attached to the lower surface 10LSof the display panel 10. Hereinafter, the case where both the upper filmlayer 20U and the lower film layer 20L are attached to the display panel10 is mainly described in detail.

In an embodiment, the film layer 20 that overlaps the first display areaDA1 may include the first upper film layer 20U1 and the first lower filmlayer 20L1. In an embodiment, the film layer 20 that overlaps the seconddisplay area DA2 may include the second upper film layer 20U2 and thesecond lower film layer 20L2. In an embodiment, the film 20 thatoverlaps the third display area DA3 may include a third upper film layer20U3 and a third lower film layer 20L3.

In an embodiment, the elongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlapsthe first display area DA1, the elongation rate of the film layer 20that overlaps the second display area DA2, and the elongation rate ofthe film layer 20 that overlaps the third display area DA3 may bedifferent from one another. In an embodiment, the elongation rate of thefilm layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1 may be greaterthan the elongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlaps the seconddisplay area DA2. In addition, the elongation rate of the film layer 20that overlaps the second display area DA2 may be greater than theelongation rate of the film layer 20 that overlaps the third displayarea DA3. The elongation rate of the film layer 20 may be changeddepending on temperature during a process of forming the film layer 20,a material composition of the film layer 20, and a condition under whichthe film layer 20 is hardened.

In another embodiment, the elongation rate of the film layer 20 thatoverlaps the first display area DA1, the elongation rate of the filmlayer 20 that overlaps the second display area DA2, and the elongationrate of the film layer 20 that overlaps the third display area DA3 maybe substantially the same.

In an embodiment, the shape of the film layer 20 that overlaps the firstdisplay area DA1, the shape of the film layer 20 that overlaps thesecond display area DA2, and the shape of the film layer 20 thatoverlaps the third display area DA3 may be different from one another.In an embodiment, a groove or a hole may be defined in at least one ofthe film layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1, the filmlayer 20 that overlaps the second display area DA2, and the film layer20 that overlaps the third display area DA3.

In an embodiment, the material of the film layer 20 that overlaps thefirst display area DA1, the material of the film layer 20 that overlapsthe second display area DA2, and the material of the film layer 20 thatoverlaps the third display area DA3 may be different from one another.In an embodiment, one of the material of the film layer 20 that overlapsthe first display area DA1 and the material of the film layer 20 thatoverlaps the second display area DA2 may include an additive.

In an embodiment, the modulus of the film layer 20 that overlaps thefirst display area DA1, the modulus of the film layer 20 that overlapsthe second display area DA2, and the modulus of the film layer 20 thatoverlaps the third display area DA3 may be different from one another.In an embodiment, in the case where the second interval int2 is lessthan the first interval int1, the modulus of the film layer 20 thatoverlaps the second display area DA2 may be less than the modulus of thefilm layer 20 that overlaps the first display area DA1. In the casewhere the first interval int1 is less than the third interval int3, themodulus of the film layer 20 that overlaps the second display area DA2may be less than the modulus of the film layer 20 that overlaps thethird display area DA3.

The film layer 20 is attached to the display panel 10, and then the filmlayer 20 arranged on one of the first display area DA1 and the seconddisplay area DA2 may be processed. In an embodiment, the film layer 20arranged on one of the first display area DA1 and the second displayarea DA2 may be additionally processed by heat, pressure, and/orexternal force.

In an embodiment, an additional process of increasing the elongationrate of the film layer 20 arranged in one of the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2 may be performed, and an additionalprocess of reducing the elongation rate of the film layer 20 arranged inthe other of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2may be performed.

In an embodiment, at least one of the second lower film layer 20L2 andthe second upper film layer 20U2 may be processed. In an embodiment, agroove or a hole may be defined in at least one of the second lower filmlayer 20L2 and the second upper film layer 20U2. In this case, theelongation rate of the second lower film layer 20L2 and the second upperfilm layer 20U2 may be improved.

In an embodiment, the display panel 10 including the first display areaDA1 and the second display area DA2 is provided. The first pixels PX1spaced apart from each other with the first interval int1 may bearranged in the first display area DA1, and the second pixels PX2 spacedapart from each other with the second interval int2 may be arranged inthe second display area DA2. Then, the film layer 20 may be attached tothe display panel 10. In this case, the elongation rate of the displayapparatus 1 including the display panel 10 and the film layer 20 may bereduced. The elongation of the second display area DA2 that is desiredto have a high elongation rate may be reduced, and when the displayapparatus 1 is transformed along the shape of an object, the pixels PXmay not be uniformly arranged, for example. In an embodiment, at least aportion of the film layer 20 is additionally processed, and thus, theelongation rate of the display apparatus 1 may be improved. Accordingly,when the display apparatus 1 is transformed along the shape of anobject, the pixels PX may be uniformly arranged. In an embodiment, whenthe film layer 20 is additionally processed, the display panel 10 may beadditionally processed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus. FIGS. 14A to 14D are cross-sectionalviews showing another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a displayapparatus. In FIGS. 14A to 14D, because the same reference numerals asthose of FIGS. 9A to 9E denote the same elements, repeated descriptionsthereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the method of manufacturing the display apparatusmay include preparing a substrate including a first area and a secondarea each extending along a surface shape of an object (S21), applyingtensile force on the first area and the second area to extend in onedirection (S23), determining a first elongation state of the substratein the first area and a second elongation state of the substrate in thesecond area (S25), and forming a plurality of first pixels, with a firstinterval set from the first elongation state, in the first area, andforming a plurality of second pixels, with a second interval set fromthe second elongation state, in the second area (S27). Hereinafter, themethod of manufacturing the display apparatus is described in detailwith reference to FIGS. 14A to 14D.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the substrate 100 may be prepared. The substrate100 may extend along the surface shape of an object. In an embodiment,the substrate 100 may include an upper surface 100US of the substrate100 and a lower surface 100LS of the substrate 100. The upper surface100US of the substrate 100 may be opposite to the lower surface 100LS ofthe substrate 100.

The substrate 100 may be pressed to a first mold MD1 and a second moldMD2. In an embodiment, the first mold MD1 may face the lower surface100LS of the substrate 100. The lower surface 100LS of the substrate 100may extend along the surface of the first mold MD1. In an embodiment,the first mold MD1 may include a protrusion portion that protrudes in apredetermined direction (e.g., upper direction in FIG. 14A).

In an embodiment, the second mold MD2 may face the upper surface 100USof the substrate 100. The upper surface 100US of the substrate 100 mayextend along the surface of the second mold MD2. In an embodiment, aconcave portion that is dented in a predetermined direction (e.g., upperdirection in FIG. 14A) may be defined in the second mold MD2. Theconcave portion may overlap the protrusion portion.

The substrate 100 may include a first region R1-2, a second region R2-2,and a third region R3-2. In an embodiment, the first region R1-2 mayhave a first curvature. The second region R2-2 may have a secondcurvature. The third region R3-2 may be flat. In an embodiment, becausethe shape of the substrate 100 itself extends along the surface shape ofan object, the substrate 100 may not be elongated.

Referring to FIG. 14B, tensile force may be applied to the substrate100. Accordingly, the substrate 100 may be transformed to extend in onedirection. In an embodiment, the substrate 100 may be transformed toextend in one direction from a shape extending along the surface shapeof an object. In an embodiment, the substrate 100 may extend in thefirst direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction).

The first region R1-2, the second region R2-2, and the third region R3-2may be transformed to extend in one direction. In an embodiment, thefirst region R1-2, the second region R2-2, and the third region R3-2 maybe transformed to be flat.

Next, a first elongation state ER1-2 of the substrate 100 in the firstregion R1-2 and a second elongation state ER2-2 of the substrate 100 inthe second region R2-2 may be determined. In an embodiment, a pluralityof align marks may be arranged with a preset interval before thesubstrate 100 is elongated. Next, the substrate 100 is elongated, andthen the positions of the plurality of align marks may be determined.Accordingly, the first elongation state ER1-2 of the substrate 100 inthe first region R1-2 and the second elongation state ER2-2 of thesubstrate 100 in the second region R2-2 may be determined. Specifically,a degree in which the substrate 100 in the first region R1-2 iselongated and a degree in which the substrate 100 in the second regionR2-2 is elongated may be determined. In another embodiment, the firstelongation state ER1-2 and the second elongation state ER2-2 may bedetermined through computer simulation. In an embodiment, a preset meshstructure may be set to the substrate 100. Next, when the substrate 100is elongated, a change in the mesh structure may be determined throughcomputer simulation. Accordingly, the first elongation state ER1-2 ofthe substrate 100 in the first region R1-2 and the second elongationstate ER2-2 of the substrate 100 in the second region R2-2 may bedetermined.

Referring to FIG. 14C, the pixel layer 200 including the plurality ofpixels PX may be disposed on the substrate 100. The plurality of firstpixels PX1 may be provided with the first interval int1-2 in the firstregion R1-2. The first interval int1-2 may be set from the firstelongation state ER1-2. When tensile force is removed, the displayapparatus 1 may be contracted to the surface shape of an object. For theplurality of first pixels PX1 to be arranged in the display apparatus 1that is contracted, the first interval int1-2 may be increased comparedto the constant interval by a rate in which the substrate 100 in thefirst region R1-2 is elongated. Accordingly, the first pixels PX1 may bearranged with the first interval int1-2 on the substrate 100 extendingin one direction. Such description is applicable to not only the firstdirection (e.g., the x-direction or the (−) x-direction), but also thesecond direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (−) y-direction) and/orthe third direction (e.g. the z-direction or the (−) z-direction).

The plurality of second pixels PX2 may be provided with the secondinterval int2-2 in the second region R2-2. The second interval int2-2may be set from the second elongation state ER2-2. When tensile force isremoved, the display apparatus 1 may be contracted to the surface shapeof an object. For the plurality of second pixels PX2 to be arranged inthe display apparatus 1 that is contracted, the second interval int2-2may be increased compared to the constant interval by a rate in whichthe substrate 100 in the second region R2-2 is elongated. Accordingly,the second pixels PX2 may be arranged with the second interval int2-2 onthe substrate 100 extending in one direction. Such description isapplicable to not only the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the(−) x-direction), but also the second direction (e.g., the y-directionor the (−) y-direction) and/or the third direction (e.g. the z-directionor the (−) z-direction).

In an embodiment, the plurality of third pixels PX3 may be provided withthe third interval int3-2 in the third region R3-2. When the substrate100 in the third region R3-2 is not elongated due to tensile force, thethird interval int3-2 may be substantially the same as the constantinterval. In another embodiment, when the substrate 100 in the thirdregion R3-2 is elongated due to tensile force, the third interval int3-2should be greater than the constant interval.

In an embodiment, the structure of the display panel 10 in the firstdisplay area DA1 may be different from the structure of the displaypanel 10 in the second display area DA2 as in the embodiment describedwith reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C.

In an embodiment, a kind of the material of the display panel 10 in thefirst display area DA1 may be different from a kind of the material ofthe display panel 10 in the second display area DA2 as in the embodimentdescribed with reference to FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B.

In an embodiment, the display apparatus 1 may further include aninorganic layer (not shown) between the substrate 100 and the pixellayer 200. In an embodiment, a film layer may be further arranged on atleast one of the upper surface of the display panel 10 and the lowersurface of the display panel 10.

Referring to FIG. 14D, the plurality of pixels PX is provided, and then,tensile force may be removed. In an embodiment, the plurality of firstpixels PX1, the plurality of second pixels PX2, and the plurality ofthird pixels PX3 are provided, and then, the tensile force may beremoved.

The display apparatus 1 may be contracted to extend along the surfaceshape of an object. The first interval and the second interval may bechanged to be the same as each other. In an embodiment, the firstdisplay area DA1 and/or the first region R1-2 may be contracted by anincrease in the first elongation state. Accordingly, the first intervalbetween the first pixels PX1 that are adjacent to each other may bereduced. The second display area DA2 and/or the second region R2-2 maybe contracted by an increase in the second elongation state.Accordingly, the second interval between the second pixels PX2 that areadjacent to each other may be reduced. The first interval and the secondinterval are values set by respectively taking into account the firstelongation state and the second elongation state, and may be changed toa constant interval int. Accordingly, the plurality of first pixels PX1,the plurality of second pixels PX2, and the plurality of third pixelsPX3 may be arranged with a constant interval int in the display panel10, and the plurality of pixels PX arranged on the surface of an objectmay be entirely or substantially prevented from being viewed to a useras being non-uniformly arranged. In addition, because tensile force isremoved from the display apparatus 1, the display apparatus 1 may not bein an elongated and/or contracted state.

According to the above description, in an embodiment, the plurality offirst pixels and the plurality of second pixels may be uniformlyarranged in the first display area and the second display area.Accordingly, the plurality of pixels may be entirely or substantiallyprevented from being viewed to a user as being non-uniformly arranged.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or advantages within eachembodiment should typically be considered as available for other similarfeatures or advantages in other embodiments. While one or moreembodiments have been described with reference to the drawing figures,it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that variouschanges in form and details may be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus disposed on an objectincluding a first surface having a first shape and a second surfacehaving a second shape different from the first shape, the displayapparatus including: a display panel arranged on the object andincluding: a first display area extending along the first surface; asecond display area extending along the second surface; a plurality offirst pixels arranged with a preset interval in the first display area;and a plurality of second pixels arranged with the preset interval inthe second display area, wherein, when tensile force is applied, a firstelongation rate of the display panel in the first display area isdifferent from a second elongation rate of the display panel in thesecond display area.
 2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst display area includes a plurality of first pixel areas and aplurality of first through areas, the plurality of first pixels isrespectively arranged in the plurality of first pixel areas, theplurality of first through areas in which respective openings aredefined through the display panel is arranged outside the plurality offirst pixel areas, the second display area includes a plurality ofsecond pixel areas and a plurality of second through areas, theplurality of second pixels is respectively arranged in the plurality ofsecond pixel areas, and the plurality of second through areas in whichrespective openings are defined through the display panel is arrangedoutside the plurality of second pixel areas.
 3. The display apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein a first area of one of the plurality of first pixelareas is different from a second area of one of the plurality of secondpixel area.
 4. The display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the firstdisplay area further includes a plurality of first connection areasextending between the plurality of first pixel areas adjacent to eachother, the second display area further includes a plurality of secondconnection areas extending between the plurality of second pixel areasadjacent to each other, and a shape of one of the plurality of firstconnection areas is different from a shape of one of the plurality ofsecond connection areas.
 5. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein afirst width of one of the plurality of first connection areas isdifferent from a second width of one of the plurality of secondconnection areas.
 6. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein a firstlength of one of the plurality of first connection areas is differentfrom a second length of one of the plurality of second connection areas.7. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein one of the plurality offirst connection areas extends in a linear shape, and one of theplurality of second connection areas extends in a curved shape.
 8. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display panel further includesan inorganic layer arranged in the first display area and the seconddisplay area, and a ratio of the inorganic layer to the display panel inthe first display area is different from a ratio of the inorganic layerto the display panel in the second display area.
 9. The displayapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a film layer arranged on atleast one of a first surface of the display panel and a second surfaceof the display panel opposite to the first surface of the display panelin a thickness direction, wherein, when the tensile force is applied, anelongation rate of the film layer in the first display area is differentfrom an elongation rate of the film layer in the second display area.10. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display panel in thefirst display area is in one of a relatively high elongation state and arelatively low elongation state, and the display panel in the seconddisplay area is in a remaining one of the relatively high elongationstate and the relatively low elongation state.
 11. A method ofmanufacturing a display apparatus, the method comprising: elongating adisplay substrate including a first area and a second area such that thedisplay substrate extends along a surface shape of an object;determining a first elongation state of the display substrate in thefirst area and a second elongation state of the display substrate in thesecond area; and forming a display panel including a first display areaand a second display area and extending in one direction, a plurality offirst pixels being arranged with a first interval set from the firstelongation state in the first display area, and a plurality of secondpixels being arranged with a second interval set from the secondelongation state in the second display area.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising: transforming the display panel to extend along asurface shape of the object; and changing the first interval and thesecond interval to be identical to each other.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the first elongation state is one of a relatively highelongation state and a relatively low elongation state, and the secondelongation state is a remaining one of the relatively high elongationstate and the relatively low elongation state.
 14. The method of claim12, wherein the display panel includes a first surface of the displaypanel and a second surface of the display panel opposite to the firstsurface of the display panel in a thickness direction, and thetransforming the display panel includes allowing a mold to face one ofthe first surface of the display panel and the second surface of thedisplay panel.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein, when tensile forceis applied, the display panel has a first elongation rate in the firstdisplay area and has a second elongation rate in the second displayarea.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching a filmlayer to at least one of a first surface of the display panel and asecond surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface of thedisplay panel in a thickness direction, wherein, when tensile force isapplied, an elongation rate of the film layer in the first display areais different from an elongation rate of the film layer in the seconddisplay area.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, after theattaching the film layer to the display panel, processing the film layerarranged on at least one of the first display area and the seconddisplay area.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the elongating thedisplay substrate along the surface shape of the object includestransforming the display substrate extending in one direction to extendalong a surface shape of a mold.
 19. A method of manufacturing a displayapparatus, the method comprising: preparing a substrate including afirst area and a second area each extending along a surface shape of anobject; applying tensile force to extend the first area and the secondarea in one direction; determining a first elongation state of thesubstrate in the first area and a second elongation state of thesubstrate in the second area; and forming a plurality of first pixelswith a first interval set from the first elongation state in the firstarea and forming a plurality of second pixels with a second interval setfrom the second elongation state in the second area.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising, after the forming the plurality of firstpixels and the plurality of second pixels, removing the tensile force.